How the Circular Economy Can Unlock Your Region’s Potential
To build resilient, future-ready economies, we need to rethink the way we do business. This session will explore how economic developers can help their communities move beyond outdated, linear models and embrace circular economy practices that create new opportunities, support local businesses, and keep resources in use.
Communities across Canada are facing economic challenges — but also new opportunities. The circular economy offers a practical, proven approach to strengthen local economies by enhancing business resilience, localizing supply chains, attracting investment, and supporting entrepreneurs to build innovative, future-fit businesses.
This session will provide economic development managers with practical tools, real-world examples, and strategic insights to position their regions at the forefront of this transition. Drawing from Project Zero’s Circular Economy Accelerator program on Vancouver Island and their National Incubator Program, we’ll demonstrate how local governments and economic developers can actively support businesses to adopt circular economy principles, localize supply chains, and unlock new entrepreneurial opportunities.
Attendees will:
- Learn what the circular economy is, and why it matters for economic development.
- Unpack five key enablers that help regions transition successfully.
- Hear real-world stories of businesses and communities leading the way.
- Walk away with actionable ideas to bring back to their own regions
We’ll also explore how this work is scaling nationally through Project Zero’s Incubator Program and how economic developers across Canada can get involved.
About the Speakers
Jill Doucette
Jill Doucette
With a background in biology and a passion for systems change, Jill Doucette founded Synergy Enterprises in 2008, pioneering innovative strategies to help businesses and industries transition to a low-carbon future. Recognizing the need to drive broader sustainability impact, she launched the Synergy Foundation in 2013, where she continues to serve as Executive Director while also leading Synergy Enterprises as CEO.
Jill is a recognized leader in sustainability and social innovation, known for catalyzing projects that accelerate the green economy—from launching new social enterprises to building incubator programs that empower the next generation of climate entrepreneurs. She frequently collaborates with governments, industry, and community partners to design scalable solutions for some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Whether she’s guiding Synergy Foundation’s expansion projects, mentoring purpose-driven businesses, or speaking at conferences across Canada, Jill brings a unique mix of scientific insight, entrepreneurial vision, and practical experience to every initiative. Her work has positioned Synergy as a trusted leader in advancing climate action, circular economy, and sustainable business practices.
Mitchell Edgar
Mitchell Edgar
Mitchell Edgar, MAES, is currently the Manager of Economic Development for the District of Saanich, the largest municipality in the in Greater Victoria region on beautiful Vancouver Island. As an Economic Development professional for over 25 years, Mitchell has been bringing his passion for leadership, strategy, and managing change to working with a multitude of communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations across British Columbia.
With a commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability practices, Mitchell has been engaged with several municipalities in leading sustainable economic development initiatives and facilitating processes with broad community and stakeholder engagement. His current focus is on growing the ‘Sustainable Saanich’ brand and in creating a vibrant and resilient circular economy with Saanich’s diverse business community.
